The Naples City Council is split on whether to revise a fertilizer ban by enacting a full blackout of nutrient-rich and water-polluting fertilizer during the rainy season or by stopping use during the winter.

At the City Council's workshop meeting Monday, Naples staff suggested blackout dates on fertilizers high in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause the growth of red tide in the dry season, stating that fertilizers are best absorbed during the rainy season when grasses and other plants are growing most.

Molloy pointed to studies suggesting rainy season storms don’t wash away fertilizers more than the dry season but instead are more important to the growth and health of grass. Fertilizers are less effective during the dry season, Molloy said.

Some councilors didn’t fully accept the new idea, falling back on the summer fertilizer ban that was in place from 2008-17.

“I think we should reinstate the blackout date through the rainy season,” Councilman Gary Price said. “Let’s do our part.”

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In 2017 the council passed a revised ordinance that did away with a June 1 to Sept. 30 blackout period, which had prohibited the use of nitrogen- and phosphorous-based fertilizers during rainy season.

Instead, the ordinance now prohibits fertilizer application "when soils are saturated, heavy rain is likely, or during a storm or flood watch/warning."

Some councilors also said the wording was vague and difficult to enforce, stating a flat monthly ban is the best option.

Molloy brought forward other ideas that were more quickly supported, such as instituting a mandatory no-mow zone around bodies of water to help filter fertilizer.

Collier County currently implements a similar fertilizer policy and is hosting its own workshop in February to determine if changes are needed. Naples is invited and is considering presenting its opinions to commissioners.

Collier County officials "are very on board with what I am proposing,” Molloy said.

Some councilors asked the city to write up an ordinance to vote on as soon as possible.